“Ten Hag never convinced anyone he had that spark” - Carragher recalls what he told Gary Neville after first chat with ex-Manchester United boss

Jamie Carragher claims that former Manchester United boss Erik Ten Hag had a distinct lack of charisma when he first met him, which spelled doom for him. The Dutch manager took charge at the club after club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer - the club's fifth full-time manager in the post-Ferguson era - was sacked.

The former Ajax manager won the FA Cup and League Cup in his two full seasons at the club. However, he was dismissed after a poor start to the 2024-25 season, with the 20-time English champions placed 13th in the league.

In his column in the Telegraph, the former Liverpool defender noted a marked lack of charisma when he first met the former Manchester United boss. He wrote:

"The most successful have an aura and personality. Only those working in the same environment can offer a first-hand account of how the manager operates behind the scenes, but for those of us on the outside looking in, perceptions matter. Without dwelling too much on United’s recent past, this was a red flag against Ten Hag from day one."

"Two games into his reign, Gary Neville and I had the pleasure of interviewing Ten Hag at United’s training ground. He was a polite guy but there was no sense of an x-factor. Driving away from the meeting that day, I turned to Gary and said: 'He must be a supercoach because there isn’t much charisma,"' he added.

Carragher concluded his point, writing:

"These reservations were based on having enjoyed the privilege of working under, or speaking to, some of the greatest managers of our generation. The best can charm an audience, whether that is speaking to one or two reporters, 75,000 spectators or 24 talented and highly confident young footballers who will turn up for the first training session thinking: 'Go on then, inspire me!' Ten Hag never convinced anyone he had that spark."

As Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag oversaw 128 games and averaged 1.84 points per game. Former Sporting Club de Portugal boss Ruben Amorim has replaced him at the Old Trafford. His first game in charge will be against Ipswich Town on Sunday, November 24.

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"The first thing is that I'm really honored to be here" - Ruben Amorim's first words as Manchester United manager

New Manchester head coach Ruben Amorim has had his first press conference as manager of the English giants. The Portuguese tactician was hired to replace Erik ten Hag after the Dutchman's poor start to the season.

The 39-year-old enjoyed success in his previous role in his homeland, where he led Sporting to two league titles and three cup wins in his four years at the club.

Speaking with the Premier League's official site after his appointment by Manchester United, he stated:

"The first thing is that I'm really honoured to be here. It was my only choice because I think I really feel how big this club is. And then I will do everything for the team. I will defend my players if I have to, all the time, against everybody. That is a key point for me, and I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs. And I believe a lot that we are going to succeed."

Amorim's first task as Manchester United boss will be to face Ipswich Town this weekend. The newly promoted side is managed by Kieran McKenna, a former staff member at the Carrington training ground. He will be keen to begin his reign with a dominant showing.